Lorena Jordan Decker, MSM

My success has grown from qualities that have been with me my entire life.

As an only child in a quiet home, I naturally learned to stay calm, grounded, and observant — traits that later became my superpower in the fast-moving world of marketing. Whether I was handling tight deadlines, coordinating events, or leading complex projects, being “calm, cool, and collected” helped me make clear decisions when things were moving quickly around me.

Over the years, that steadiness blended with something else just as important: adaptability. Marketing is always evolving — new tools, new expectations, and now, an entirely new era with AI reshaping our work. Instead of resisting change, I’ve always leaned into it, and continuously learning is part of who I am.

Ultimately, my success comes from a mix of calm resilience, adaptability, and a genuine love for learning—qualities that continue to guide me as a solopreneur and marketing strategist & consultant.

The best career advice I ever received came at my very first job as a coordinator, and it completely shaped the professional I became. I used to approach my manager constantly with questions — how to do things correctly, how to handle a client situation, and how to navigate a new task. One day, she gave me a piece of tough-love advice that surprised me with its candor: “Try to research the answer or come up with a solution on your own before you come to me.”

At first, I wasn’t sure how to take it. But with time, I realized she wasn’t dismissing me—she was pushing me to grow. That advice became the foundation of my confidence and independence. Corporate marketing roles often support senior executives or managers, and over the years, my ability to solve problems independently has made me far more effective. I noticed that my managers appreciated it when I came prepared with possible solutions, not just questions. Our meetings became more productive, and I earned more trust.

That early lesson also prepared me for fast-paced companies where onboarding was minimal and meetings didn’t always happen regularly. I learned to step in, figure things out, and lead projects without waiting for instructions.

And today, as a solopreneur running my own marketing consultancy, that single piece of advice is one of the main reasons I can handle complex client work with confidence. It taught me to trust my judgment, stay resourceful, and lead myself—skills I’ll definitely pass on to my first intern or assistant someday.

When I think about the advice I’d give young women entering the marketing industry, I always come back to the importance of trusting yourself and designing your own path. This is a field full of twists, changes, and endless opportunities—and the women who rise are the ones who follow their instincts and stay true to their values.

One piece of practical advice I wish I had known earlier is this: don’t be afraid to ask for more work during slow times or to take on the projects that nobody else wants. Those assignments can become incredible opportunities. They show initiative, set you apart as a team player, and often help you develop new skills you didn’t know you needed. Some of my own proudest career moments came from stepping into roles or tasks that others overlooked.

It’s also important to be flexible. Marketing roles evolve constantly, and the industry changes fast. At one of my corporate jobs, my marketing role expanded into business development — something I hadn’t expected. But by embracing it, I grew, learned a new side of the industry, and became even more well-rounded. Staying adaptable is one of the best ways to build a long, successful career.

And finally, remember the importance of community. I believe in supporting other women, learning from one another, and building genuine connections — it’s why I’m on this platform. You never know where a conversation, a collaboration, or a shared story might lead.

My advice in a sentence? Trust your instincts, be brave enough to take on new challenges, stay flexible, and surround yourself with women who lift each other up.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in marketing right now is keeping up with the speed of the industry. New tools, platforms, and technologies — especially AI — are evolving so quickly that staying current isn’t optional anymore. It requires constant learning, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to serving clients at the highest level. This year alone, I’ve invested more than 15 hours in AI-focused professional development, because I know that staying informed is part of being a strong strategic partner.

At the same time, the biggest opportunity lies in becoming a trusted advisor in a noisy digital world. With so much content, automation, and “quick fixes” being promoted, clients need guidance more than ever. They don’t just need tactics — they need strategy, clarity, and someone who can translate trends into meaningful results. That’s where thoughtful, client-centered marketing really shines.

And while AI is an incredible tool, it also makes human connection more important than ever. Anyone can generate content or automate tasks, but not everyone can bring empathy, creativity, and sound judgment to the work. Keeping a human touch — and using AI responsibly — is what helps marketers build trust and long-term relationships. It’s what separates true professionals from the rest.

As a solopreneur, I feel even more prepared for this moment than I did in my corporate roles. Working for myself demands that I grow continuously, stay ahead of trends, and show up as my best for my clients every single day. The pace is fast, the expectations are high — but the opportunity to make a real impact has never been greater.

The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are thoughtful decision-making and focus. I believe in gathering all the necessary information before making choices, ensuring they are well-informed and strategic. Staying focused allows me to follow through with clarity and purpose in everything I do.